'Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer' by Ogden Nash
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This is a song to celebrate banks,
Because they are full of money and you go into them and allyou hear is clinks and clanks,
Or maybe a sound like the wind in the trees on the hills,
Which is the rustling of the thousand dollar bills.
Most bankers dwell in marble halls,
Which they get to dwell in because they encourage depositsand discourage withdrawals,
And particularly because they all observe one rule which woebetides the banker who fails to heed it,
Which is you must never lend any money to anybody unlessthey don't need it.
I know you, you cautious conservative banks!
If people are worried about their rent it is your duty to denythem the loan of one nickel, yes, even one copper engravingof the martyred son of the late Nancy Hanks;
Yes, if they request fifty dollars to pay for a baby you mustlook at them like Tarzan looking at an uppity ape in thejungle,
And tell them what do they think a bank is, anyhow, they hadbetter go get the money from their wife's aunt or ungle.
But suppose people come in and they have a million and theywant another million to pile on top of it,
Why, you brim with the milk of human kindness and youurge them to accept every drop of it,
And you lend them the million so then they have two millionand this gives them the idea that they would be better offwith four,
So they already have two million as security so you have nohesitation in lending them two more,
And all the vice-presidents nod their heads in rhythm,
And the only question asked is do the borrowers want themoney sent or do they want to take it withm.
Because I think they deserve our appreciation and thanks,the jackasses who go around saying that health and happi-ness are everything and money isn't essential,
Because as soon as they have to borrow some unimportantmoney to maintain their health and happiness they starveto death so they can't go around any more sneering at goodold money, which is nothing short of providential.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer: A Poem of Satire and Social Commentary
Ogden Nash, one of the most celebrated American humorists and poets of the 20th century, wrote "Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" in 1930 during the height of the Great Depression. The poem is a witty and incisive satire that tackles the issue of economic inequality and the role of bankers in exacerbating it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's structure, language, themes, and historical context to reveal its meaning and significance.
Structure
The poem is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines of roughly equal length. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that belies its serious subject matter. The title itself is a kind of parody of a common expression that is meant to highlight the absurdity of the claim that bankers are just like anybody else. The title sets up the ironic tone of the poem and prepares the reader for the satirical message to come.
Each stanza follows the same pattern of establishing a premise in the first two lines and then subverting it in the next two. For example, the first stanza begins with the assertion that "The banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain." This seems like a generous and helpful gesture, but the second line undercuts it by revealing the true motive behind the banker's action: "Mark Twain." The reference to Twain, a famous American author known for his wry wit and skepticism of bankers, signals the poem's critical stance towards the banking industry.
The subsequent stanzas follow a similar pattern, each exposing a different aspect of the banker's hypocrisy and greed. The third stanza focuses on the banker's use of "euphemisms" to disguise his true intentions, while the fourth highlights the banker's "fictitious" profits that are earned at the expense of others. The fifth stanza takes aim at the banker's "charity" that is really just a means of buying social status, and the final stanza concludes with a pointed critique of the banker's arrogance and sense of entitlement. The poem's structure is simple and repetitive, but this serves to reinforce the poem's central message and to make it more memorable and accessible to a wide audience.
Language
Nash's language in "Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" is characterized by its economy, clarity, and wit. Nash uses simple and straightforward language that is easy to understand, but this plainness of expression is offset by his use of irony, sarcasm, and paradox. For example, in the second stanza, Nash writes that the banker's "mortgages are seldom what they seem," which on the surface sounds like a warning about the dangers of taking on debt. But in the next line, Nash reveals that the real danger is not the mortgages themselves, but rather the banker's ability to manipulate them to his advantage.
Nash's wit is also evident in his use of puns, allusions, and wordplay. For example, in the fourth stanza, Nash writes that the banker's "deposits are a trifle" and that his "loans are an addiction," which plays on the double meaning of "trifle" (something insignificant or a type of dessert) and "addiction" (a harmful compulsive behavior or a loan that charges interest). Nash's use of allusions to Mark Twain, Shakespeare, and other cultural touchstones adds depth and resonance to the poem, while his wordplay and punning keep the poem lively and engaging.
Themes
The central theme of "Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" is the corruption and greed of the banking industry and its complicity in perpetuating economic inequality. Nash's poem is a scathing indictment of bankers who use their wealth and power to exploit others and enrich themselves at the expense of society as a whole. The poem exposes the banker's hypocrisy, deceit, and manipulations, and shows how their actions contribute to the suffering of ordinary people.
Another important theme of the poem is the power of language and rhetoric to conceal the truth and manipulate public opinion. Nash criticizes the banker's use of "euphemisms" and "fictitious" profits to obscure the reality of their actions and to justify their behavior to themselves and others. The poem suggests that language can be used as a tool of oppression and that it is important to be vigilant against those who seek to use it to deceive and manipulate.
Finally, the poem also touches on the theme of social class and the ways in which wealth and status can be used to buy influence and power. Nash exposes the banker's "charity" as a form of self-promotion and a means of securing social status, rather than a genuine desire to help others. The poem suggests that the rich and powerful are often more concerned with maintaining their position than with helping those in need.
Historical Context
"Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" was written in the midst of the Great Depression, a time of severe economic hardship and social upheaval in the United States. The poem reflects the anger and frustration of ordinary people who were struggling to make ends meet while the rich and powerful continued to enjoy their wealth and privilege. The poem can be seen as a response to the growing public outrage over the banking industry's role in causing the financial crisis and the government's perceived failure to hold them accountable.
The poem also reflects the broader cultural and political context of the time. The 1920s and 1930s were a period of social and cultural change, marked by the rise of consumerism, mass media, and new forms of popular culture. The poem can be seen as a critique of the excesses and superficiality of this new era, and a call for a return to more traditional values of honesty, fairness, and social responsibility.
Interpretation
"Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" is a powerful and effective work of satire that exposes the corruption and greed of the banking industry in a humorous and accessible way. The poem's simple structure and clear language make it easy to understand and remember, while its use of irony, sarcasm, and paradox makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The poem's central message is that bankers are not "just like anybody else," but rather a privileged and powerful elite who use their wealth and status to manipulate and exploit others. The poem exposes the banker's hypocrisy, deceit, and manipulations, and shows how their actions contribute to economic inequality and social injustice. The poem also highlights the importance of language and rhetoric in shaping public opinion and the need to be vigilant against those who seek to use it to deceive and manipulate.
In conclusion, "Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer" is a timeless and relevant work of satire that continues to resonate with readers today. Nash's poem serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked greed and the importance of holding the banking industry accountable for its actions. The poem is a call to action for social and economic justice, and a reminder that the fight against inequality is ongoing and essential.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer: A Masterpiece by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, was known for his witty and humorous poems that often satirized the absurdities of human behavior. One of his most famous works, Poetry Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer, is a brilliant example of his unique style and perspective.
In this poem, Nash takes a playful jab at the world of banking and finance, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of bankers and the average person. He begins by stating the obvious - that bankers are just like anybody else, except richer. This simple statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Nash proceeds to explore the various ways in which bankers differ from the rest of us.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way in which Nash uses language to convey his message. He employs a variety of literary devices, including rhyme, alliteration, and puns, to create a playful and engaging tone. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:
"Bankers are just like anybody else,
Except richer and more devious."
Here, Nash uses alliteration to emphasize the contrast between bankers and the rest of us. The repetition of the "b" sound in "bankers" and "devious" draws attention to the fact that bankers are not only wealthier than most people, but also more cunning and manipulative.
Throughout the poem, Nash continues to play with language in this way, using puns and wordplay to create a sense of humor and irony. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:
"They lend you cash,
Which you spend,
And then they charge you
Interest on the end."
Here, Nash uses a pun on the word "end" to highlight the absurdity of the banking system. By charging interest on the money they lend, bankers are essentially profiting from the fact that people need to borrow money in order to live their lives. This creates a vicious cycle in which people become indebted to the banks, while the bankers themselves continue to accumulate wealth.
Another key theme in this poem is the idea of power and control. Nash suggests that bankers are not only wealthier than most people, but also have a disproportionate amount of influence over society as a whole. In the third stanza, he writes:
"They have a weapon
Called a cheque book,
And wielding it,
They seldom flinch or look."
Here, Nash uses metaphor to describe the power of the cheque book. By likening it to a weapon, he suggests that bankers are able to use their financial resources to control and manipulate others. The fact that they "seldom flinch or look" implies that they are confident in their ability to wield this power, and are not afraid to use it to their advantage.
Despite the satirical tone of this poem, however, Nash does not simply dismiss bankers as greedy and corrupt. Instead, he suggests that they are simply products of their environment - a society that values wealth and power above all else. In the final stanza, he writes:
"So remember,
When you're feeling very small and insecure,
How amazingly unlikely is your birth,
And pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in space,
'Cause there's bugger all down here on Earth."
Here, Nash reminds us that we are all human beings, with our own strengths and weaknesses. While bankers may have more money and power than most people, they are still subject to the same vulnerabilities and uncertainties as the rest of us. By acknowledging this, Nash encourages us to have empathy and understanding for others, even those who may seem very different from ourselves.
In conclusion, Poetry Bankers Are Just Like Anybody Else, Except Richer is a masterful work of poetry that combines humor, irony, and social commentary in a unique and engaging way. Through his use of language and metaphor, Nash highlights the absurdities of the banking system, while also reminding us of our shared humanity. This poem is a testament to Nash's talent as a writer, and a timeless reminder of the power of poetry to inspire and entertain.
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